I remember this was all over the news here in New York when it happened. I personally side with the landlord, but I can see the artist side of it. This building was a big part of Long Island city (Queens really) and tourist would visit it, it was visible from passing trains, it was a big spot. But at the end of the day if you own the property, then you can get rid of it if you want. Now days New York is changing, and a lot of old, well recognized places have been destroyed, abandoned or converted into luxury buildings.